Richmond eye crunch AFL clash with Bombers

Rob Forsaith

The Tigers downed Greater Western Sydney by 27 points at the MCG on Saturday, pouring on five goals to nil in the second quarter to win 13.11 (89) to 8.14 (62).

It is the side's best winning streak under Hardwick and the first time they have posted five wins on the trot since 2000.

With four rounds remaining, finals remain a mathematical possibility for the club that managed three wins from the opening 14 rounds.

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Losses by Essendon and Adelaide in round 19 helped the Tigers' cause and they next face a crucial Friday night clash with the Bombers.

Victory at the MCG then and September dreaming would be justified from Hardwick.

But instead of looking at the ladder, where the Tigers remained 12th, Hardwick said motivation would come from a woeful 50-point loss to Essendon in round 11.

"We were really embarrassed about that game," Hardwick said.

"Without doubt the worst game of the year (from Richmond) - our players were really disappointing; we had no energy."

Hardwick was certain it would be a closer contest this time.

"We're a different side to when we played them last time - no doubt," he said.

For the second week in a row, Richmond's triumph was marred by a callous strike that resulted in a match-day report.

Reece Conca grappled with Devon Smith in the second quarter when the pair were close to the boundary line and the ball was long gone.

When Smith turned and trotted away towards the interchange bench, Conca raced after the GWS midfielder and lashed out at the back of his head.

Smith was caught unawares by the elbow, but managed to get to his feet reasonably quickly and played out the match.

"There's always going to be pushing and shoving ... but we don't want anyone stepping over the line," said Hardwick, admitting the report was particularly frustrating given Ty Vickery's roundhouse blow the week prior that attracted a four-week ban.

"I didn't see it ... if he gets weeks, then we're really disappointed.

"We like our guys to play tough. We don't like them to go above and beyond that. We've got to wheel them back if they do."

Giants coach Leon Cameron also said he didn't see the incident.

Cameron, who confirmed Josh Hunt suffered a hip flexor injury, said his team gave away too many easy goals in the decisive second term.

"Our boys probably lost their confidence a little bit," he said.

Dustin Martin was well tagged by Tomas Bugg, but kicked two steadying goals in the third term for Richmond.

"Dusty was sore all week; he was probably lucky to get up and play," Hardwick revealed.